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oPatientPlus articles are written by UK doctors and are based on research evidence, UK and European Guidelines. They are designed for health professionals to use, so you may find the language more technical than the condition leaflets.

A nasogastric tube is a narrow bore tube passed into the stomach via the nose. It is used for short- or medium-term nutritional support, and also for aspiration of stomach contents - eg, for decompression of intestinal obstruction.[1]

A wide bore tube is used if drainage is needed; otherwise, a finer bore tube is used. Fine bore feeding tubes (gauge less than 9) cause less discomfort and less risk of rhinitis, pharyngitis or oesophageal erosion.

The use of a nasogastric tube is suitable for enteral feeding for up to six weeks. Polyurethane or silicone feeding tubes are unaffected by gastric acid and can therefore remain in the stomach for a longer period than PVC tubes, which can only be used for up to two weeks. For long-term enteral feeding, the use of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is associated with improved survival, better toleration by the patient and lower incidence of aspiration.[2]

Feeding by nasogastric tubes

Bolus: by gravity - very simple, requiring minimal equipment but increases the risk of gastrointestinal symptoms.

Intermittently: by gravity or pump - gives time free of feeding but increases the risk of gastrointestinal symptoms.

Continuously: by pump system - reduces the rate of gastrointestinal symptoms but the patient is connected to the system most of the time and this may limit mobility.

Semi-recumbent positioning of the patient reduces the risk of airway aspiration.[3]

Contamination of feeds can be minimised by minimal, meticulous handling and the use of closed rather than open systems.[3]

Sit the patient in a semi-upright position with the head supported with pillows and tilted neither backwards nor forwards.

Examine the nostrils for deformity or obstructions to determine the best side for insertion.

Measure the tubing from the bridge of the nose to the earlobe, then to the point halfway between the lower end of the sternum and the navel.

Mark the measured length with a marker or note the distance.

Lubricate 2-4 inches of tube with lubricant (eg, 2% Xylocaine®).

Pass the tube via either nostril, past the pharynx, into the oesophagus and then into the stomach

Instruct the patient to swallow and advance the tube as the patient swallows (sipping a glass of water helps).

If resistance is met, rotate the tube slowly while advancing downwards. Do not force.

Stop immediately and withdraw the tube if the patient becomes distressed, starts gasping or coughing, becomes cyanosed or if the tube coils in the mouth.

Advance the tube until the mark is reached.

Check the tube's position (see below).

Secure the tube with tape.

Checking tube position

It is essential to confirm the position of the tube in the stomach by one of the following:[5]

Testing pH of aspirate: gastric placement is indicated by a pH of less than 4, but may increase to between pH 4-6 if the patient is receiving acid-inhibiting drugs. The use of blue litmus paper to check the acidity of aspirate is insufficiently sensitive to distinguish between levels of acidity.[6]

X-rays: will only confirm position at the time the X-ray is carried out. The tube may have moved by the time the patient has returned to the ward. In the absence of a positive aspirate test, where pH readings are more than 5.5, or in a patient who is unconscious or on a ventilator, an X-ray must be obtained to confirm the initial position of the nasogastric tube.

The old test of introducing a small quantity of air into the stomach and checking for a bubbling sound over the epigastrium is not recommended, as it is unreliable and can give false reassurance.

Securing and monitoring the tube

Nasogastric tubes should be taped securely at the nose to avoid displacement.

The tube should be flushed regularly to prevent the build-up of feed and medication leading to occlusion.

The position of the tube should be monitored by recording the length of the tube at the point of exit from the nostril, regularly checking the pH of the aspirate, checking the nasal fixation tapes daily and checking for signs of respiratory discomfort or regurgitation.

The tube position must be checked:

On initial placement.

At least once daily during continuous feeds, or before the administration of feed following a break or if bolus feeding.

Before the administration of drugs if the tube is not used for any other purpose.

After episodes of coughing, retching or vomiting.

After oropharyngeal suction.

Where there is any suspicion of a change in length of the visible part of the tube.

Where there is discomfort or reflux of feed into the throat.

If there are any signs of respiratory distress.

If the patient is transferred from one clinical area to another.

Medications

Most medication is not licensed for administration through a nasogastric tube.

A pharmacist should be consulted for advice as to the most appropriate preparation for administration through an enteral tube.

Disclaimer: This article is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. EMIS has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but make no warranty as to its accuracy. Consult a doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. For details see our conditions.